CLICK TO HEAR COMMENTS FROM ADMINISTRATOR KEVIN SOLOWAY
Marinette County is asking voters to approve a public safety referendum… aimed at closing a growing budget gap.
County Administrator Kevin Soloway says the request would allow the county to exceed its levy limit by $1.5 million per year, strictly for public safety services. Soloway says rising costs are outpacing what the county is allowed to collect in taxes… creating a widening deficit.
To bridge that gap, the county has already cut positions, combined roles, and leaned on extra revenue sources—but officials say those options are running out. If approved, Soloway says residents won’t see immediate changes—but services would be preserved.
For taxpayers, the increase would amount to about $20 per year for every $100,000 of home value. If voters reject the referendum, Soloway warns more cuts could follow, impacting services across the county.
County leaders say the goal isn’t expansion—it’s stability.
“We’re not looking to add positions… this is simply to maintain what we have.”
The referendum will ultimately be decided by voters in the upcoming election. County officials say without additional funding… maintaining current public safety services may become increasingly difficult.
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